ClassX Video Lessons Subjects Artificial Intelligence 23 Reasons to be Cheerful (Thanks to Science!)
2016 was a year full of challenges. There were many global events that shook the world, like political changes, record-breaking temperatures, and significant losses in the entertainment world. But amidst all these, science brought us some amazing reasons to smile. Let’s dive into the incredible scientific achievements of 2016 that made the year brighter.
Over a billion years ago, two black holes collided, and in 2016, scientists confirmed the existence of gravitational waves. This discovery proved Einstein right once again and opened up a whole new way of exploring the universe.
Artificial intelligence took a big leap forward when it beat a human at the complex game of Go. While AI still has some challenges to overcome, like managing fake news, this achievement showed just how advanced technology has become.
In 2016, Chinese scientists used CRISPR gene-editing technology on humans for the first time. They injected genetically modified cells into a patient with lung cancer, marking a significant step forward in medical science.
Scientists created a synthetic life-form using just 473 genes. Although it was a simple microbe, this breakthrough hints at the possibility of creating more complex life forms in the future.
SpaceX successfully landed five rockets back on Earth, with only one explosion. Elon Musk announced plans for robotic missions to Mars, aiming for a launch by 2018.
We found the closest known exoplanet. While it’s not habitable yet, it’s only a four-year journey away if we can invent near-light-speed travel.
A new Alzheimer’s drug showed promising results in clinical trials, offering hope for treating this challenging disease. Additionally, a baby was born using genetic material from three parents, preventing a rare and fatal mutation.
The Paris climate agreement went into effect, aiming to protect our planet from climate change. The ozone hole over Antarctica started to heal, and the Ross Sea became the largest protected marine reserve in the world.
Pandas were removed from the endangered list, and for the first time in a century, the number of wild tigers increased. These successes show that conservation efforts are making a difference.
Scientists discovered new species with creative names, like the Chewbacca beetle and a spider named after Gryffindor. We also filmed a ghost shark for the first time, proving that these creatures are not just fictional.
Thanks to social media, a rare snail named Jeremy found a mate. This unique snail had a backwards spiral, showing that there’s someone out there for everyone.
A solar-powered plane flew around the world, and new glasses were invented to help colorblind people see colors. These innovations show the power of human creativity.
The Juno spacecraft arrived at Jupiter, and the Rosetta mission ended with a historic landing on a comet. Two astronauts returned home after spending a year in space, pushing the boundaries of human exploration.
Despite the challenges of 2016, science reminded us of the incredible potential of human ingenuity. As we look to the future, let’s continue to find reasons to stay curious and optimistic. Here’s to more amazing discoveries in the years to come!
Explore the concept of gravitational waves by creating a simple simulation. Use a large sheet of fabric to represent the fabric of space-time. Have students place objects of different masses on the fabric to see how they create “waves” when moved. Discuss how this relates to the discovery of gravitational waves in 2016.
Challenge yourself to play a simplified version of the game Go against a computer program. Reflect on the strategies used by the AI and discuss how artificial intelligence was able to beat a human champion in 2016. Consider the implications of AI advancements in everyday life.
Participate in a classroom debate about the ethical implications of CRISPR technology. Research its potential benefits and risks, and discuss how its use on humans in 2016 marked a turning point in genetic engineering. Formulate arguments for and against its use in medicine and agriculture.
Work in groups to design a hypothetical space mission to an exoplanet. Consider the challenges of near-light-speed travel and the scientific goals of your mission. Present your mission plan to the class, inspired by the discoveries and ambitions of SpaceX and other space exploration efforts in 2016.
Create a project focused on an environmental issue, such as climate change or animal conservation. Research the successes of 2016, like the Paris climate agreement or the increase in wild tiger populations, and propose actions that can be taken today to continue these positive trends.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, with inappropriate language removed and the content cleaned up:
—
2016, you were a challenging year, I mean a really tough one, right in the midst of geopolitical upheaval, record temperatures, Brexit, Aleppo, Brussels, and our favorite comic books being altered on the big screen… and these icons and heroes we lost this year. And so many more… Okay, wow, that’s a lot… Okay, that is more than I remember… wow, that is a lot… okay….
2016 may have hit Earth like a giant happiness-killing asteroid, but there had to be SOMETHING good that happened this year, right? Like always, SCIENCE comes to the rescue, like a warm hug for your weary soul. Here are 23 reasons science gave us to be cheerful in 2016.
(1) 1.3 billion years ago, two black holes collided, and in 2016 we confirmed gravitational waves! Einstein was proven right *again*, and scientists now have a whole new way of looking at the universe.
(2) Artificial intelligence has come far enough to beat a human at the game of Go, meaning the only things AI still hasn’t mastered are keeping fake news off social media and finding Sarah Connor.
(3) CRISPR gene-editing technology was tested in humans for the first time when Chinese scientists injected genetically-modified cells into a patient with lung cancer. Bring it on, nature, we can rebuild them; we have the technology.
(4) We didn’t just fix life this year; we made it from scratch when scientists built a synthetic life-form using just 473 genes. Sure, it was just a microbe, but another few years and we’ll have dino DNA down.
(5) SpaceX landed five rockets back on Earth and only had one explosion! Plus, Elon Musk says they’ll be ready to launch robotic missions to Mars by 2018.
(6) We found the closest known exoplanet. It’s probably not habitable, but once we accomplish the small task of inventing near-light-speed travel, we’re only a four-year road trip away from the best vacation ever.
(7) A new Alzheimer’s drug totally rocked a clinical trial. It clears away the protein plaques that cause the brain condition, and now we’ve got a promising new therapy for a still-unstoppable disease.
(8) Another baby was born using genetic material from three parents, reversing a rare and fatal mutation. Babies: now with 50% more parents and 100% more life-saving science. Earth got good news this year too!
(9) The Paris climate agreement went into effect, meaning we finally might keep Earth from looking like a dystopian future; this is our best chance yet at preventing Greenland from finally earning its name.
(10) Antarctica’s ozone hole is finally on the mend.
(11) The Ross Sea became the largest protected marine reserve in the world.
(12) Pandas are no longer endangered, and (13) for the first time in 100 years, the number of wild tigers increased, meaning zoos might not be the only place Earth’s coolest animals get to live.
(14) We found new species and gave them awesome names, like this Chewbacca beetle, a Ruth Bader Ginsburg mantis, these Game of Thrones dragon ants, and a spider that looks so much like the Harry Potter sorting hat we named it after Gryffindor. In the deep blue, we saw an adorable octopus that looks like Casper the ghost and filmed a ghost shark for the first time. That’s right. Ghost sharks are not just a Sci-Fi channel movie; they’re a real thing.
(17) Scientists finally figured out what lichens are, which has really bothered me for a long time. I totally get if you’re like “why did he include this one on the list,” but I bet you’re liking this video anyway! Ha! My puns are so good.
(18) Thanks to social media, a rare backwards-spiraled snail named Jeremy found love. Why was that a big deal? Its genitals were backwards too. Just goes to show you there’s someone out there for everyone.
(19) We flew a solar-powered plane around the world, and (20) we invented glasses that let colorblind people see colors.
(21) The Juno spacecraft arrived at Jupiter to explore it, (22) Rosetta finished its historic comet observing mission by landing on it, and (23) two astronauts came home after living in space for a year.
2016 has been a tough year for lots of people, but science is a good reminder that the world is still a pretty awesome place, filled with awesome people trying to make it even better. Sure, the sun will eventually swell up and turn Earth into burnt toast, but for the next few billion years, let’s keep finding reasons to look on the bright side. Stay curious, and here’s to a great year.
—
This version maintains the original message while ensuring it is appropriate for all audiences.
Gravitational – Relating to the force that attracts objects with mass towards each other, especially the pull of the Earth that gives weight to objects. – Scientists study gravitational forces to understand how planets and stars interact in space.
Waves – Disturbances that transfer energy from one place to another, often through a medium like air or water. – Researchers use waves to transmit data in wireless communication systems.
Artificial – Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, often as a copy of something natural. – Artificial intelligence is used to create computer programs that can perform tasks requiring human-like thinking.
Intelligence – The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, often used in the context of machines that can mimic human cognitive functions. – The development of machine intelligence is revolutionizing how we solve complex problems.
CRISPR – A technology that can be used to edit genes and has the potential to correct genetic defects. – Scientists are using CRISPR to explore new treatments for genetic diseases.
Genes – Units of heredity that are transferred from a parent to offspring and determine some characteristics of the offspring. – Understanding genes helps scientists develop personalized medicine tailored to individual needs.
SpaceX – An aerospace company that designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. – SpaceX is working on missions to make space travel more accessible and affordable.
Medicine – The science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. – Advances in medicine have significantly increased the average human lifespan.
Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural resources and the environment. – Conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and preventing the extinction of endangered species.
Discoveries – Acts of finding or learning something for the first time, often leading to new knowledge or understanding. – Scientific discoveries have transformed our understanding of the universe and our place in it.
